Teesside University strengthens international links with new pharmacy degree

The new MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy programme commencing at Teesside University in September 2025 will develop the talent pipeline and offer exciting international opportunities for budding pharmacists.

This four-year course, delivered in the University’s £36.9m state-of-the-art BIOS building, will provide a new approach to the initial training and education of future pharmacists.

Building on a successful history of chiropractic programme collaborations, Teesside University will once again work with IMU University in Malaysia to bring a global perspective to pharmaceutical training through meaningful placement opportunities.

Together, the universities aim to develop an exchange initiative whereby pharmacy students from Teesside have the opportunity to undertake clinical training in Malaysia and vice versa.

This approach empowers students to explore diverse pharmacy settings, develop essential skills in medication management and patient care, and network with healthcare professionals across borders.

A recent student exchange, which saw six pharmacy students from IMU University travel from Malaysia to complete their elective training with Teesside University, showcased the power of international collaboration.

Song Teck Yee, Yip Jin Hui, Chuah Yi Wen, Lau Qian Qian, Chong Yixine and Saw Jing Wen experienced a three-day community pharmacy placement at one of three branches of Pharmacy Express in Middlesbrough.

Students gained valuable, hands-on experience in a fast-paced pharmacy environment which offers prescription dispensing, medipack preparation, methadone dispensing, minor ailment management and vaccinations.

The placement equipped students with the necessary skills to ensure the safe and effective delivery of medications.

It also provided students from IMU University with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the medications commonly prescribed and utilised within communities across the United Kingdom.

As well as the community pharmacy placement, the exchange students undertook a two-week hospital attachment at The James Cook University Hospital.

They were exposed to a wide range of clinical departments, including Cardiology, General Medicine, Aseptic Services, Oncology, the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), and Trauma & Orthopaedics.

This allowed them to hone their clinical skills across various specialties, work with patients under pharmacist supervision, and gain a deeper understanding of the role.

Upon completion of the programme, the students said they were deeply grateful for the opportunities presented to them through this transnational exchange.

Samantha Weston, Director of Pharmacy at Teesside University, said: "International clinical pharmacy placements offer students a transformative opportunity to expand their horizons, both professionally and personally.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, such experiences are vital in preparing the next generation of pharmacists to lead with insight, empathy and impact across borders.

“Immersed in different healthcare systems, students develop enhanced clinical expertise and a global perspective on patient care. These placements foster mutual learning, encourage innovation and promote the exchange of best practices.

“The partnerships built through these exchanges also create a powerful foundation for future global health initiatives and lifelong professional relationships.”

---